Around 87 percent of homes in the United States now have air conditioning. Unfortunately, many of these are older systems that are poorly maintained. So when it comes to an AC overhaul, do you know how to find the right company for you?
Luckily it only takes a little research. Read on as we discuss how to find an AC installation contractor to suit your needs.
Make Sure They Are Licensed
Whatever state you are in, there will be a state licensing board for HVAC contractors. Being state licensed shows your company takes its job seriously. A certain level of professionalism and skill must also be demonstrated to gain state approval.
AC installation does not just involve putting in the main parts of a system. A licensed HVAC specialist will have the authority to move gas pipes, electricity, and water pipes. Should you hire someone who does this wrong, the results can be disastrous.
Don’t take it as a given and don’t take a companies word for it. Ask to see official documentation or contact the licensing board to check.
Have A Positive Online Presence
One major benefit of the internet is that it makes it very hard for bad AC installation contractors to hide. Many trade websites exist that allow customers to review a company or individual. Services like Google My Business should have details on the most reputable companies.
This does not mean every review has to be five stars. Each company and AC installation company will have customers who are unhappy at some point. What you are looking for is a firm that has a majority of highly rated reviews.
More worrying is if you can not find any information online about the company. This shows they don’t take marketing seriously and may be actively trying to keep reviews from being viewed. There is only one reason a company may do this and it is not good.
Find One That Offers A Home Evaluation
It is not a given nor essential that an AC installation firm would offer a home evaluation. What it does do is show that they care about the job they do and you as a customer. Home evaluations will not take long for you or the contractor, but will provide huge benefits.
An evaluation will take in all of your property. It will look at the size of the home and how many windows it has. All of these factors will inform the decision regarding the size and type of AC you need installing.
They should also look over any existing duct systems for leaks or faults. A final check will advise you on insulation in the building and tell you how to improve or upgrade it.
Get Referrals
The internet is not the only place you can get recommendations. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues can all provide information on the best and worst people to use. This will give you a firsthand account of who to work with.
If you are having other contractors work on the property and you are happy with their work, then ask them as well. It is unlikely they would offer you someone subpar as it would damage their reputation. Local hardware and DIY store staff may also have ideas about the best place to go.
Experience
Experience is essential when it comes to choosing an AC Installation company. Each property will be unique, with its own set of problems to solve. More experience means an increased likelihood that any issues will be solved in the best way.
Don’t go off the age of the company for the experience. People running it may have years of experience working for other firms. Instead, ask about the individual who will be putting your system in.
For larger firms, you may find subcontractors are being hired for certain parts of the job. In this instance make sure you have the credentials of people doing any work.
Each individual should have trained with the manufacturer’s equipment. This is important as just like properties differ, so do HVAC systems. Manufacturers even offer certification in their products which you can ask about.
Offer Transparent Pricing
There can be a lot of extras when it comes to HVAC installation. To ensure that you don’t get stung with hidden fees, ask to see a sample bill in advance and check it is itemized. After this, thoroughly discuss everything with the company that is and is not included in your AC installation.
After this, make sure the price is reasonable. Overpay and you waste your money. Underpay and you can expect a substandard service.
This can apply to any tradesperson you employ. The lowest bids are not always the most cost-efficient. You may end up paying for poor work later down the line and it can cost even more.
Nothing should be taken verbally. You need a written contract that should include everything from the exact services, to pricing and the start and end date. Ensuring there is no confusion between you and the company can prevent legal action later down the line.
AC Installation Contractor
Now you know how to find an AC installation contractor, start the search early. You don’t want to wait until the height of summer when they are booked up. This means you are more likely to get desperate and settle for a poor provider.
If this article helped you keep a cool head, then visit the rest of our blog. From property maintenance to sales, we can help maintain your dream home in the coming year.
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